Nelson College Old Boys’ History

The first meeting of the Association was held on 17 October, 1894. At the time, rules were adopted and formalities carried out, but little was done in the way of holding meetings or arranging activities. When the secretary left Nelson, the Association went into recess and virtually ceased to exist.

The Association was revived in 1902 with current staff at the time taking a lead role. In accordance with its constitution and rules, the two chief objectives of the Association were:

To help the college

To provide a link between old Boys and their school.

These objectives are still relevant today.

Historical records provide interesting reading as to early activities of the Association.

1906 – Jubilee celebrations for the 50th Anniversary of the College

1908 – Formation of Old Boys’ Football and Cricket Club

1909 – Association provided £40 for the purchase of a horse roller and mower

1915 – Old Boys raised £103 for the building of Fives Courts

1923 – Old Boys subscribed half the cost of purchasing the Vanguard Street playing fields (later known as the Broads)

1924 – War Memorial Scriptorium opened

1930 – £400 raised to repair the Scriptorium damaged by the 1929 Earthquake

1936 – £347 subscribed to purchase the portrait of Lord Rutherford

1955-56 – £5200 raised by Old Boys to purchase the Pipe Organ for the College hall, while the Association also provided over £6000 to rebuild the Scriptorium on its current site

2006 – 150th Jubilee

President NCOBA

President Paul Sturrock (1980-84) presenting former President and Honorary Life Member Rob McKegney (1966-70) with his certificate in recognition of being an “exemplary supporter” of both Nelson College and the Nelson College Old Boys’ Association for a great many years.